Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Deposit plus move-in fees capped at one month's rent; tenants may pay them in installments Verified
Deadline: At move-in, when deposits and fees are set
In Seattle, the security deposit and move-in fees together may not exceed one month's rent. Tenants can choose to pay move-in costs and last month's rent in installments; you cannot charge interest or refuse to rent to someone who uses installments.
Who it covers: Pet deposit up to 25% of one month's rent may be added. Installments: six monthly payments for leases of 6 months or more, four for 30 days to 6 months, two for month-to-month, unless you agree on another schedule.
"Security deposit and fees combined cannot exceed one month's rent." seattle.gov
"Pet deposit of 25% of one month's rent can be charged in addition to the security deposit and fees." seattle.gov
"Tenants have a right to pay their move-in costs and their last month's rent in installment payments." seattle.gov
"You can't charge a tenant interest or refuse to rent to a tenant who opts to pay in installments." seattle.gov
Notes: Seattle Municipal Code Ch. 7.24 (code text not snapshotted); Renting in Seattle move-in fees page.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
RRIO rental registration: register before renting; renew every 2 years by the certificate's expiration date Verified
Deadline: Every 2 years from the registration date
Register each rental property with SDCI's Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program and renew every two years by the expiration date on the certificate (SDCI sends a reminder about 60 days ahead). Fee as of January 2026: $126 per property including the first unit, plus $31.50 per additional unit.
Who it covers: Applies to rental housing in Seattle with a few exceptions (for example owner-occupied rentals and Seattle Housing Authority units); includes non-owner-occupied short-term rentals since January 2019. Renewal declares that units meet the RRIO checklist. Penalties for not registering: $150 per day for the first 10 days, then $500 per day.
"Rental housing properties (with a few exceptions) must be registered with the RRIO program. As of January 2019, this includes short-term rentals that are not owner occupied." seattle.gov
"Rental property owners must renew the property registration every two years by the expiration date listed on the registration certificate." seattle.gov
"As of January 2026, the cost to renew a rental registration is $126.00* for each property, including the first unit, plus $31.50* for each additional unit." seattle.gov
"We will reach out owners and property managers approximately 60 days prior to the registration expiration by mail and email using the contact information on the registration." seattle.gov
"There are some exceptions, such as Seattle Housing Authority housing, owner-occupied rentals, and accessory dwelling units (often referred to as "in-law apartments")." seattle.gov
"Penalties are $150 per day for the first 10 days and $500 per day after that." seattle.gov
Notes: Seattle Municipal Code Ch. 22.214 (code text not snapshotted); SDCI RRIO pages.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
RRIO inspection: complete within the deadline in the City's notice (at least 60 days), at least once every 5-10 years Verified
Deadline: After SDCI's Notice of Required Inspection: by the deadline in the notice (at least 60 days)
Properties are randomly selected for a RRIO inspection once in the first five years after registration, with a 10% chance of a second selection in the next five years. When you receive the notice, have the inspection done (by a City or qualified private inspector) within the time it gives, which is at least 60 days.
Who it covers: Multi-unit properties may inspect all units or a 20% sample. City inspector fee: $241.50 per property including the first unit plus $52.50 per additional unit; private inspector results carry a $63 filing fee.
"Rental housing properties are selected, and must complete an inspection requirement at least once every 5 - 10 years." seattle.gov
"Properties are selected for inspection once during the first five years after they are registered. There is a 10 percent chance the property will be chosen a second time within the following five years." seattle.gov
"Our notice will give you at least 60 days to have the inspection completed." seattle.gov
Notes: SDCI RRIO Owners & Managers page.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
180 days' written notice before any increase in rent or other housing costs Verified
Deadline: At least 181 days before the rent increase takes effect
Give at least 180 days' written notice before raising rent or other periodic housing costs, not counting the day of service; the increase must start at the beginning of a rental period. Example from the City: for a June 1 increase, the tenant must receive the notice by December 2. The calendar uses 181 days so the full 180 days are clear.
Who it covers: Housing costs include rent, parking, storage and other periodic fees. An increase of 10% or more within 12 months requires an attached Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance (EDRA) notice. Serve by personal delivery, or by posting and first-class mail. Use the state form plus the City's Renting in Seattle contact language. State cap (RCW 59.18.700) also applies.
"As of November 9, 2021, all housing cost increase notices must provide a minimum of 180 days' advance written notice." seattle.gov
"Service of housing cost increase notices must occur outside the minimum advance notice period. For example, to impose an increase on June 1, your tenant must have received the notice no later than December 2, which allows for a full 180 days not including the day of service." seattle.gov
"When an increase reaches 10% or more you must attach an EDRA notice to the notice of increase for your tenants." seattle.gov
Notes: SMC 7.24.030 (Ordinance 126450; code text not snapshotted); Renting in Seattle housing cost increases page.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Before ending a tenancy for cause: 14 days to pay rent; at least 10 days to cure a breach; 90 days for owner or family move-in or sale of a single-family home; 120 days for demolition, substantial rehabilitation or change of use